Recommended Naval Books?

[bssybeep]

While we're waiting for SAS to ship, any recommended Naval warfare books to get us in the mood for some SAS gaming?

[tony_glazebrook]

While we're waiting for SAS to ship, any recommended Naval warfare books to get us in the mood for some SAS gaming?

Where to start?? A recommendation simply because it is a recent one I finished that I liked is "Bitter Ocean" by David Fairbanks White - re the Atlantic battles 1939-45

[DiFool6]

I'd certainly recommend, for those ship designers out there (like me!), Fleets Of World War II.
Absolutely invaluable. I note that it is apparently out of print.

[Warship NWS]

Please note, we do not allow for posting of links to online stores outside of NWS -- also, we do sell books here as well including special ordering any book still in circulation that may not be shown on our store.

http://www.nws-online.net

Thank you.

[DiFool6]

Please note, we do not allow for posting of links to online stores outside of NWS -- also, we do sell books here as well including special ordering any book still in circulation that may not be shown on our store.

http://www.nws-online.net

Thank you.

My apologies (such linkage is de rigeur on most of the other wargaming boards I hang out at).

[Warship NWS]

My apologies (such linkage is de rigeur on most of the other wargaming boards I hang out at).

I appreciate your cooperation.

Thanks.

[Christian Schwietzke]

I´ve heard a lot about a book called "Shattered Sword" in the forums for War in the Pacific. Is it good?

[asnrobert]

I´ve heard a lot about a book called "Shattered Sword" in the forums for War in the Pacific. Is it good?


Yes, very. It is about the battle of Midway, mainly from the Japanese side, and clears up a number of misconceptions.

[Ed Rotondaro]

I´ve heard a lot about a book called "Shattered Sword" in the forums for War in the Pacific. Is it good?

Chaos:

"Shattered Sword" is the best book on Midway available. It examines the campaign in detail from the Japanese perspective and debunks many common myths about the battle including the one that the IJN carriers decks were loaded with aircraft when they were hit. It details Japanese carrier operations and damage control procedures as well as their tactical doctrine. I highly recommend it.

[Ed Rotondaro]

While we're waiting for SAS to ship, any recommended Naval warfare books to get us in the mood for some SAS gaming?

Hi:

Two excellent books, both written by Vince O'Hara are "The US navy against the Axis" and "The German Navy at War 1939-1945". They cover surface actions only, but list many obscure surface battles that the reader may be unfamiliar with.

[asnrobert]

Another good book is "Japanese Destroyer Captain" by Tameichi Hara. He commanded destroyers during the war, and was skipper of the light cruiser Yahagi when she accompanied the Yamato on her final voyage.

[Ed Rotondaro]

Another good book is "Japanese Destroyer Captain" by Tameichi Hara. He commanded destroyers during the war, and was skipper of the light cruiser Yahagi when she accompanied the Yamato on her final voyage.

Robert:

Especially since it has been re-printed by the US Naval Institute Press. A good book, but should be read with a grain of sal regarding Hara's opinions. Methinks he tried to please his American interrogators/co-authors.

[old_pop2000]

While we're waiting for SAS to ship, any recommended Naval warfare books to get us in the mood for some SAS gaming?

I would first ask, what are your goals? What aspects of Naval warfare are you attempting to learn and understand? Overall strategy, naval tactics, carrier tactics, surface warfare?

If you are attempting to get an overall view of naval tactics, then I would get Captain Wayne Hughes book entitled "Fleet Tactics and Coastal Combat" 2nd edition.

Now, the approach that I use, is the top down approach. I start with the overall strategy of the war, for both sides, and then work down to the details like types of ships, weaponry etc. You can start bottom up, that method works also. I like top down, because by the time I get to the weaponry, I have a good understanding about the overall strategy of the war and why certain weapons were chosen and why they worked effectively. What ever makes you comfortable.

[bssybeep]

Thxs for all the great replies. All suggestions welcome.

It was enjoyable checking out all the suggestions so far.

I'm considering a purchase of The German Fleet At War, 1939-1945andThe U.S. Navy Against the Axis: Surface Combat, 1941-1945.

Keep them coming, my naval warfare library needs beefing up.

[Warship NWS]

To bssybeep, please do not post links to competing online stores. We also sell books here at NWS and if you do not see what your looking for on our store ask and I will special order it.

Your links to the books you listed have been removed.

Thanks.

[bssybeep]

oops, sorry Chris. I didn't mean to post links, I meant to just cut/paste the title.

btw, what do you guys think about:
U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman

[tony_glazebrook]

oops, sorry Chris. I didn't mean to post links, I meant to just cut/paste the title.

btw, what do you guys think about:
U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman

All his stiff is good - he has companion volumes on US cruisers and destroyers also; the title of his I like most though is his Battleship Design and Development 1905-1945 - it is very succinct; if I have one criticism of his other stuff it is that it can be a bit discursive. The book I mentioned on design and development is a gem IMO though.

[Ed Rotondaro]

oops, sorry Chris. I didn't mean to post links, I meant to just cut/paste the title.

btw, what do you guys think about:
U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman

Hi:

The best book on the subject period. The Garzke and Dulin book on US Battleships is good, but only covers the final generation of US battleships, i.e. the so-called "Fast battleships" of the North Carolina, South Dakota and Iowa classes. It also includes the Alaska class large cruisers. So for a comprehensive study of all US steel battleships buy Friedman's book (NWS can get it for you at a discount and believe me any of the Friedman design histories are expensive!).;)